Summer Reading Recs with Claude Taylor

Claude Taylor keeps not one, not two, but FOUR different library cards in his wallet—proof of his love of reading and the nurturing environment libraries provide. 

“Whenever I travel, even if it’s for a family get-together or an event with friends, I geolocate around the public library and pop in if I get a chance,” Taylor said. “I am a 100 percent library nerd.” 

The self-proclaimed ‘library nerd’ prefers non-fiction books, biographies, and memoires. He enjoys reading about the lives of others and discovering shared experiences. He says we all have more in common than we think—even if we don’t carry four library cards. 

“My reading ties into my professional life,” Taylor said. “I have learned more about the different kinds of people in the world and the different ways in which people live, expanding my horizons in terms of places and spaces. I think books are magical in that way.” 

Here are some of Taylor’s favorite books he recommends reading this summer: 

Class Dismissed by Anthony Abraham Jack

“This is the book that speaks to me the most right now. It’s about first-generation college students. I identify as first-gen. It captures the why about what we do. The role of helping students for whom higher education was never an obvious part of their life journey, but who used it as a way to advance curiosity, discovery, and learning.” 

The Sum of Us by Heather Mcghee 

“I grew up in Asbury Park, post-riots. And there was this thing called white flight that, as a kid, I never understood what was happening. But reading this helped me make sense of the social, political, and cultural experiences we all have. The author points to the fact that racism and racial oppression hurts everybody.” 

Backtalker by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw 

“This author is credited with coining the term intersectionality. She’s a legal scholar and public intellectual, and this is her story. So many people have their public persona that influences what we know about them. I’ve enjoyed reading it because what she is known for is in the news, but who she is isn’t in the news in the same way. It’s nice to learn the backstory of an influential person.” 

African Art Now by Osei Bonsu 

“My wife bought me this book for my birthday. It profiles 50 up-and-coming African artists and the ways that they are reflecting art history and traditions in their work, as well as inflecting them in a modern way to give voice to new perspectives. I am a huge fan of portraiture and I am learning more about it as I get older. There is some great art in the book.” 

Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our summer reading series: 

• See Assistant Director of Tutoring Services Joseph Pascale’s recommendations 
• See Athletic Director Rocco Constantino’s recommendations 
• See Class of 2026 Valedictorian Nina Salamatova’s recommendations
• See History Professor and Holocaust and Human Rights Center Director Terrence Corrigan’s recommendations